News

The E-Cards We're Dealt

You've got mail! Hooray, ten new messages. Three of them are spam, three of them are Everyday Change emails (Yay!), a couple Facebook updates, a note from your mom, and oh hey, what's that little electronic greeting? This week news sites like US News and World Report, The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times have been abuzz about a web site called inSpot that allows users to send anonymous electronic greetings informing the recipients that they may have been exposed to infections like clamydia, ghonorhea or even HIV.

The e-cards bear messages like, "No one wants to be the bearer of bad news...but I got diagnosed with STDs (You might have one, too)," or "It's not what you brought to the party—it's what you left with."

They don't sound quite as fun as the other e-cards you might receive with little dancing bears singing happy birthday, but for some people it might be better to receive one of these trite cards than to have an awkward conversation with a one-night stand.

If one of your ex-lovers were to tell you that they have an STD, how would you prefer them to do it? Would you be down with an electronic greeting?

I can just see that inbox message now, "You've got mail ... oh, and herpes!" Ugh.

A face-to-face conversation might be uncomfortable, but using an e-card to break this kind of news is just downright cowardly. For something as serious as an STD, you are best to sit your partner down and tell them the news.

I guess I'd be happy to hear no matter if it's an anonymous card or a phone call, but I feel like this person should have to own up to what they did. They shouldn't be anonymous if they're spreading a disease.

"Ariane is a new voice who can inspire and inform all of us going through change, whether it be big or small, professional or personal. The First 30 Days will encourage people going through change to go from being fearful and alone to feeling optimistic and transformed."— David Bach, New York Times best-seller

"Since change is the only constant in life, it helps to have an expert navigate through the ups and downs of life. The First 30 Days is an excellent guide."— Deepak Chopra, New York Times best-seller

"Essential reading for anyone going through a change. I loved it!"— Wayne Dyer, New York Times best-seller